Salisbury steak is a classic comfort food that’s sure to warm the soul. The tender, juicy beef patties are smothered in a rich, savory gravy, making it the perfect meal to serve with mashed potatoes or a side of veggies. It’s a hearty, fulfilling dish that brings back fond memories of home-cooked meals.
The combination of ground beef and onions in the gravy creates a deliciously comforting flavor that pairs beautifully with any side. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Salisbury steak is sure to please. The best part? It’s quick and easy to make, without sacrificing flavor!
Full Recipe:
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1 pound ground beef
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1/4 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup milk
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1 egg
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 medium onion, sliced
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2 cups beef broth
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1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional)
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2 tablespoons water (optional)
Directions:
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In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Form the mixture into 4 oval-shaped patties.
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.
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In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened.
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Stir in the beef broth and Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer and return the patties to the skillet. Let the mixture cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken and the patties to absorb the flavor.
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If you want a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the gravy. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened.
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Serve the Salisbury steaks with the gravy poured over them.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Salisbury Steak
Salisbury steak is a timeless comfort food that brings together nostalgic flavors with satisfying textures. It’s one of those dishes that conjures up fond memories of hearty family meals. Originating in the United States during the mid-1800s, it was often a meal of choice for busy households, offering a flavorful and filling option that could be prepared quickly and easily. While it started as a humble dish composed of seasoned ground beef patties served with gravy, it has evolved over time, and many variations now exist. What remains constant, however, is the allure of its savory beef flavor paired with a rich, silky gravy.
This version of Salisbury steak elevates the classic with a few modern touches, making it a perfect option for a busy weeknight dinner. It’s an easy-to-make dish that brings all the warmth and comfort you’d expect from a traditional Salisbury steak but with the convenience of a skillet meal. Instead of preparing individual patties and searing them, this recipe calls for a simpler method where you brown ground beef and combine it with sautéed mushrooms and a luscious beef gravy. The result? A flavorful, quick meal that can be served over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Why Salisbury Steak Still Stands the Test of Time
Salisbury steak remains a beloved dish not only because of its deep, rich flavor but also due to its versatility. The combination of ground beef with onions and a savory gravy can be adapted to suit various dietary needs and preferences. Whether served with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables, this dish can fit into different cuisines and meal plans. It’s also a wonderful recipe to make in bulk, perfect for family gatherings or even meal prepping for the week.
In this modern take, the focus is on bringing out the full flavor of the beef while ensuring that the gravy is perfectly seasoned. The addition of sautéed mushrooms helps to provide depth and umami to the sauce, while the fresh thyme elevates the overall aroma. What’s even better is that this recipe can be prepared in just about 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for those with a tight schedule but who still want a delicious, home-cooked meal.
A Quick and Delicious Weeknight Meal
Making Salisbury steak doesn’t require hours of cooking time or a long list of ingredients. This quick version is an ideal recipe for busy weeknights when you need to prepare something comforting without much hassle. The ground beef cooks quickly, and the gravy comes together easily by simply simmering the beef with broth, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a few spices. When paired with a carbohydrate like pasta or mashed potatoes, it transforms into a hearty meal that will satisfy everyone at the dinner table.
If you’re in the mood for something classic but don’t want to deal with the traditional method of forming individual patties, this is the perfect shortcut. The beef is browned in a skillet, then combined with a savory mushroom and beef broth gravy. The result is the same great Salisbury steak flavor but without the extra work. The mushrooms not only add a wonderful texture but also contribute a savory richness to the sauce that enhances the beef.
Customization Options for Salisbury Steak
This dish offers a wealth of opportunities for customization. While the recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily substitute it with other types of ground meat, such as turkey, pork, or chicken, for a lighter version. For a more indulgent experience, adding a little cheese on top or using a richer cut of beef can give the dish extra flavor. If you want a slightly tangy twist to the gravy, you can add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar.
Additionally, if you’re looking to make the dish a bit healthier, you can reduce the amount of butter and use olive oil instead. You can also opt for whole wheat pasta or mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes for a lower-carb alternative. It’s a versatile recipe that can be tailored to meet various dietary preferences.
Pairing Ideas for Salisbury Steak
Salisbury steak is often served with hearty sides that complement its rich flavors. For a balanced meal, consider pairing it with mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a fresh salad. If you prefer something a bit lighter, a side of sautéed spinach or green beans would work wonderfully. The creamy, savory gravy also pairs well with fluffy rice or egg noodles, both of which are excellent at soaking up the sauce.
To complete the meal, a glass of full-bodied red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, pairs perfectly with the savory richness of the Salisbury steak. If you prefer a non-alcoholic beverage, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
Salisbury Steak as a Comfort Food for All Occasions
Salisbury steak is often associated with home-cooked meals, nostalgia, and comfort. It is a dish that is perfect for casual weeknight dinners but can also make a strong impression at family gatherings or dinner parties. Its savory, satisfying nature makes it the perfect meal to serve when you want to enjoy a comforting, indulgent dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Moreover, the simplicity of the recipe allows it to be versatile, meaning you can modify it to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for a family with young children, a group of friends, or just for yourself, Salisbury steak is a dish that’s sure to bring people together. The savory flavors of beef and gravy combined with the aromatic mushrooms and onions make it an irresistible choice for any occasion.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that offers both nostalgia and convenience, Salisbury steak with ground beef and gravy is an excellent choice. It’s quick to make, hearty, and delicious, and it can easily be customized to suit your tastes. The rich beef flavor, combined with the savory gravy and tender mushrooms, creates a meal that’s both satisfying and comforting. Whether you serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, this version of Salisbury steak gives you all the flavors you love without any of the hassle. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, but it’s also a dish that can be enjoyed on special occasions. The ease of preparation and the delicious results make it a go-to recipe that you’ll return to time and time again.
If you haven’t tried Salisbury steak in a while, or if you’ve never made it yourself, this is the perfect time to dive into this classic comfort food. With its simple ingredients and rich flavors, you’ll find that it’s a dish worth making over and over again.




